Health-related quality of life and its predictors among outpatients with coronary heart disease in Singapore

Aims and Background: Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a major cause of death and disability and negatively impacts on patients' health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This study aimed to explore HRQoL and identify its predictors among outpatients with CHD in Singapore.

Methods: A correlational study was conducted with a convenience sample of 106 outpatients with CHD recruited from a public hospital. HRQoL outcomes were measured using the Short Form-12 Health Survey (SF-12), Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey (MOS-SSS) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS).

Results: Patients reported a generally high level of HRQoL as assessed by SF-12. Those aged over 65 years reported significantly higher mental health and those who were married had higher levels of education or income reported significantly higher physical health. There were significant negative correlations between physical and mental health and anxiety and depression (p < .05). Perceived social support was negatively correlated with anxiety and depression and positively correlated with mental health. Education level and depression significantly predicted physical health, while age, anxiety and depression predicted mental health.

Conclusion: Anxiety, depression, age and education are significant predictors of HRQoL in this patient population and should be assessed routinely and, where appropriate, addressed through individually-tailored interventions.